Ladies Hockey: Dungannon girls progress in the President’s Cup

Published:12:04Monday 14 March 2016

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Saturday saw DLHC play Raphoe in the Presidents cup. The scene was set for a day of drama against the backdrop of a dull overcast sky and a Raphoe side packed with youth and pushing hard for promotion into Premier Hockey.

Dungannon started brightly with good linking play between the front three of Karen Elliott, Andriea McKay and Lesley Dickson. The hard work was rewarded with a penalty corner in which a clean strike narrowly missed wide of the post.

Another opportunity followed as a fantastic through ball from Karen Elliott set Andriea McKay free however Raphoe defence remained firm. Raphoe remained organised and developed good attacking play against the Dungannon side.

DLHC were quicker to react as Andriea McKay tucked away the opener after a clinical cross from Karen Elliott.

Undeterred Raphoe continued to drive forward and apply pressure on the Dungannon side who held firm to break up the threatening Raphoe breaks.

After a firm half time team talk, Dungannon started the second half more energised and an inch perfect pass from Abigail Edwards allowed Alison Elliott to break away and find Andriea McKay who was taken out when through for an open goal. A penalty corner was awarded, Edwards making no mistake and crashing a second into the backboards.

Another excellent break saw McKay denied for the second time as her shot was kicked away with keeper stranded outfield. Spurred on Karen Elliott worked hard to win possession and after bursting clear set up Alison Elliott to despatch a confident third and final goal of the day.

A determined Raphoe continued to apply pressure right to the final whistle but quality defending saw Dungannon deservedly progress to the second round.